Digital Power, Inclusion, and the Global Society: Patrick Lumumba’s Peer Interview with Edwin Ochola
- Editorial Team SDG16
- 14 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Patrick Lumumba is a Global Society advocate and Master’s student in International Relations and Affairs at Vistula University, Warsaw Poland. With a background in finance, accounting, and business development, he combines analytical rigor with policy insight to address global challenges. As a postgraduate fellow at the Royal Historical Society, he hones research, critical thinking, and historical analysis skills. Patrick is passionate about leveraging data-driven decision-making and international cooperation to foster sustainable growth, inclusive development, and meaningful solutions at the intersection of diplomacy, policy, and economic development.
Interview Set 1: Edwin Ochola
Global Society – Africa Regional Council, D-POW Conference Speaker
1. To begin, what is the global society, and who can become a member of this society having in today’s digital and interconnected world?
Response: The global society is an emerging and rapidly growing way of thinking and acting around the SDG by people, (individuals or in groups), in their own ways, to make their surroundings fairer, more peaceful, more supportive, and more sustainable. Membership at the global society is open to people who share the same vision an inclusive and just society wherever they may be.
2. At the Digital Power of Women Conference, you spoke about global society as a key framework for inclusive progress. How do the conference themes connect to the idea of a shared global society?
R: The conference themes of gender inclusion and digital empowerment closely reflect the core principles of our global society. Digital platforms serve as vital tools for interaction, networking, and knowledge exchange, enabling women and marginalized groups to participate meaningfully in global conversations. By leveraging these technologies, we foster collaboration across borders and amplify voices that are often underrepresented. Gender inclusion is central to our leadership and governance structures, ensuring equitable participation in decision-making. Together, these elements demonstrate how digital connectivity and inclusive practices can transform local action into collective progress, building a shared, resilient, and empowered global society.
3. What motivated you personally to engage with the concept of global society, and how did this journey lead to your current active participation in the Regional Council for Africa?
R: I have always believed that problems are both local and global in nature, and the key is finding ways to amplify local challenges on a global scale while enabling locally-driven solutions to thrive. This perspective motivated me to engage with the global society and connect with individuals who share a vision of collective impact. Through persistent collaboration, mentorship, and support from these networks, I have been able to contribute actively to initiatives that help address real community needs. This journey naturally led to my role as an active member of the Africa Regional Council, where I help bridge local realities with global platforms for learning, advocacy, and sustainable solutions.
4. From an African perspective, what opportunities does the digital age present for communities to participate meaningfully in global society?
R: In Africa, the digital age presents unprecedented opportunities for communities to engage meaningfully in global society. Digital platforms enable networking, easy access to information, and real-time sharing of ideas and challenges. They provide a space to amplify voices that are often overlooked or marginalized, ensuring that local experiences inform global discussions. Communities can connect across borders, learn from one another, and collaborate on solutions to shared challenges. By leveraging these tools, African communities can actively participate in decision-making, showcase innovative solutions, and ensure that their perspectives contribute to shaping a truly inclusive and connected global society.
5. Networking was a key undercurrent of your DPOW contribution. How does networking—both digital and in-person—strengthen global society, particularly for emerging leaders from Africa?
R: Networking, whether digital or in-person, strengthens global society by connecting emerging leaders to peers, mentors, and resources. It facilitates knowledge exchange, collaboration, and visibility, empowering local solutions to reach global platforms. These connections build solidarity, amplify underrepresented voices, and nurture leadership that drives inclusive, sustainable impact across communities and regions.
6. As an active Regional Council member for Africa, how do you facilitate connections between local actors, regional voices, and global platforms?
R: I leverage the power of digital platforms to connect local actors with regional and global networks. By writing, speaking, and sharing insights on grassroots challenges, I highlight the priorities and perspectives of communities often underrepresented on global stages. These efforts ensure that local voices inform regional strategies and global decision-making. I also facilitate dialogues between community leaders, sector experts, and international stakeholders, creating pathways for collaboration, learning, and advocacy. Through this approach, we strengthen the Global Society’s ecosystem, bridging local realities with global platforms to drive inclusive, sustainable, and actionable solutions.
7. How can global society structures ensure that participation is not limited to elites, but genuinely includes grassroots communities, youth, and women?
R: Global Society structures can ensure inclusive participation by adopting bottom-up approaches that value lived experience alongside expertise. Mechanisms such as participatory leadership models, rotational representation, and sector-based councils allow grassroots communities, youth, and women to take active roles in decision-making. Digital platforms further democratize access, enabling real-time engagement, knowledge sharing, and visibility for underrepresented voices. Capacity-building initiatives, mentorship, and support networks empower emerging leaders to contribute meaningfully. By combining structural inclusivity with deliberate efforts to remove barriers, the Global Society creates a space where leadership and influence are distributed equitably, reflecting the diversity and aspirations of all members.
8. What role do values such as solidarity, accountability, and shared responsibility play in sustaining a healthy global society?
R: Solidarity fosters collaboration across communities, regions, and borders, ensuring that challenges and successes are shared collectively. Accountability ensures transparency in leadership and decision-making, building trust among members. Shared responsibility empowers all participants, from grassroots actors to regional leaders, to contribute actively to solutions and outcomes. Together, these values create a culture of mutual support, ethical engagement, and collective impact. By embedding them in governance, digital platforms, and organizational structures, the Global Society remains inclusive, resilient, and capable of driving sustainable, equitable progress worldwide.
9. Looking ahead, what is your vision for the role of the Global Society in Africa over the next five to ten years?
R: I envision the global society in Africa as a dynamic platform that amplifies local voices, drives inclusive leadership, and connects communities to global opportunities. It will leverage digital tools to expand participation, foster intergenerational dialogue, and strengthen sector-based initiatives in education, health, gender equality, and climate resilience. By nurturing grassroots innovation and facilitating regional collaboration, the society will empower African leaders to influence global policies while addressing local challenges. Ultimately, it will be a hub of learning, solidarity, and action, demonstrating how Africa can shape and contribute meaningfully to a shared, sustainable global society.
10. Finally, what advice would you give to young people—especially women and community leaders—who want to actively engage in and contribute to global society?
R: My advice is simple: you and I are the global Society. Embrace your role by proclaiming your support, connecting with peers, colleagues, and communities across the globe. Engage actively, think critically, and act intentionally around the Sustainable Development Goals in whatever way you can, whether locally, regionally, or digitally. Use your skills, voice, and networks to contribute solutions, amplify underrepresented perspectives, and foster collaboration. By taking ownership of your participation, you help shape a truly inclusive and connected global society. Remember, leadership is not about waiting for permission—it’s about stepping forward and making an impact wherever you are.
